Home: Renewable Energy News: Thursday 25 June, 2009

Renewable Energy News

THURSDAY 25 JUNE, 2009 |

Bank On Solar Credits By August 18?

Solar power supporters and industry are fuming that the legislation for the new non-means tested Solar Credits scheme is being held up due to a complex political situation; but there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

The issuing of the solar credits, that is the Renewable Energy Certificate multiplier that will provide discounts of up to $9000 on solar power systems, is a part of legislation tied in with the Renewable Energy Target; which is linked to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, incorporating the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Although the Solar Credits program has wide support among all parties and that section of the legislation doesn't present a problem, the Opposition are wanting to defer a vote on the emissions trading scheme until Parliament resumes after the winter break - and therefore the legislation for the issuing of solar credits has also stalled.

The situation has left many home and business owners confused as to when to start the process of arranging for a system to be installed. The timing of the passing of legislation is also holding many solar power providers to ransom in terms of forward planning, with some laying off workers or postponing plans to employ more.

Yesterday, Senator Nick Xenophon said a decision should be made during the next sitting week.

"We will resolve those bills once and for all in the week commencing August 11."

"We will continue sitting that week for as long as it takes so that when some in the Government say that you're trying to delay this on a never-never, that's not true."

With a backlog of orders left over from the previous rebate rush and less than 2 months until the legislation should be passed, some are now starting the process now for acquiring a solar power system, with a post August installation date scheduled to take advantage of current special offers and avoid the inevitable rush when the legislation is finally pushed through.